HORUS - The Modular Aircrew Helmet System

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are disclosed herein for a Horus flight helmet is for pilots to be used in general, transport and long-range aviation. The invention includes an impact resistant helmet; the invention has high noise reduction system and helps to hear the clear message even in high noise environment. The visor come in as MBU-20/P Oxygen Mask trim in different colors. By keeping in mind, the safety of the pilots we have used energy-absorbing, pressure molded, low density, expanded-polystyrene, had been increased in thickness, secure fixing of helmet on the head of the pilot is provided, comfortable wearing due to the helmet&#39;s smaller size and better alignment.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

This invention relates to advanced aircrew protection systems and, more particularly, to an improved system, having integrated features for full life support of aircrew for providing full pressurization in the helmet, partial pressurization in the body during high altitude situations, and for providing independent face, chest, upper extremity, abdomen, lower extremity pressurization during high turning acceleration (gravity) situations in aircraft.

Description of the Related Art

In general, helmets are designed to meet requirements for comfort, stability, and head impact protection during flight, egress and ejection, and to fit an anthropometric range of heads. There are multiple inventions that have been proposed in prior art regrading helmets and each of them bring advancements in their domain.

For instance, a Flight helmet with headset bearing U.S. Pat. No. 5,003,631A is issued to Northrop Grumman Corp. The patent is on a helmet formed of a rigid shell and, internally thereof a liner sized and shaped to the head of the wearer with ear cups secured to the liner. The ear cups have a peripheral surface positionable in contact with the wearer's head. The peripheral surface includes a first annular tube filled with a gel material in contact with the wearer's head around the ears and a second annular tube for urging the first annular tube into conforming contact with the wearer's head. The second annular tube is inflatable and includes tubing means extending through the shell with valve means for inflation and deflation thereof. Also disclosed is the method of fabricating the shell to fit an individual wearer.

Another patent on Protective flight helmet bearing U.S. Pat. No. 4,035,845A is issued to US Air Force. The patent discloses a helmet, for flight personnel, having a conventional custom-molded energy absorbing liner member with a penetration resistant mid-liner member covering the energy absorbing liner. A leather outer cover fits over the mid-liner member. A visor is secured to the helmet with a stretch type material. Earphone earcups are secured to the inner surface of the leather cover by means of hook and loop fasteners. An impact protection material is secured to the leather cover with hook and loop fasteners at a position corresponding to the nape area of the wearer.

Another patent on Custom fitting assembly for helmet with protective hood bearing U.S. Pat. No. 6,401,259B1 is issued to Gentex Corp. The patent is on a protective hood molded to the contours of the interior of an aircrew helmet. The brow pad and a support panel are located within the protective hood. The custom fitting system, that adjusts the position of the support panel relative to the helmet, is located outside the hood. The custom fitting system is pivotally connected to the support panel, with the protective hood sealed around the pivotal connection. The brow pad and support panel lift the hood off the wearer's head, providing a gap to circulate ventilating air.

A GB patent 2,466,814A Conformal liner helmet is issued to Joseph Anthony Griffiths. The patent is a helmet 10 suitable for an aircraft pilot comprises an inner shell 12 and a liner (14a, 14b, FIG. 4) attached to the inner shell, and adjustable tensioning means 16a, 16b disposed at the rear of the helmet configured to tension the inner helmet and liner onto the pilot's head. The tensioning means preferably tensions the inner helmet and liner onto the head between points proximate the left and right of the outward curve of the pilot's skull proximate the nape of the neck, and the forehead. Preferably, the tensioning means comprise first 16a and second 16b tensioning elements attached to the left and right sides of the inner shell respectively and may be adjustable independently. Also claimed is a method of securing a helmet onto a pilot's head.

Another patent on Helmet point-of-view training and monitoring method and apparatus bearing US patent 2,017,0140666A1 is issued to Donald Kennair, Jr. The patent is on a helmet point-of-view training and monitoring method and apparatus to solve problems encountered in the training and monitoring of pilots of airplanes and other air, sea, land, and space vessels, or vehicles where the seating arrangement in the cockpit prevents an instructor or evaluator from sitting beside or directly observing the pilot's view of the controls and indicators in the cockpit and the outside view from the pilot's position in the cockpit, by providing an apparatus to affix a camera to the standard multi-angle mounting surface found on pilot's helmets, in a proper position and at a proper angle, and by capturing a series of images from the pilot's point of view and displaying such images in real time to an instructor and as recordings for review by pilots, instructors, and others.

Another Flight helmet physiological parameter detector BEARING Canadian patent 1,026,57523A is issued to Chinese inventor. The invention relates to a pilot physiological parameter detector, which is designed to insert components needed for detecting the physiological parameters, such as a sensor, electrodes and a circuit, into a flight helmet under the circumstance that performance and functionality of the helmet are not influenced to realize the detection of pilot physiological parameters. The detector detects physiological parameters by using the helmet that a pilot must wear without a need of wearing any other device on the body of the pilot, which is of a convenient and rapid usage. The flight helmet physiological parameter detector provided by the invention can detect parameters of photoelectric pulse wave which reflect blood flow in the head and can perform a judgment and an early warning on overload disability, which is particularly suitable to be used by pilots.

Another patent disclosing Protective helmet for pilot bearing Chinese patent 2,041,81041U is issued to Chinese inventor. The patent is on a protective helmet for a pilot comprises a helmet shell. Cheek mounting holes used for mounting oxygen mask sockets are formed in both a left ear protection part and a right ear protection part of the helmet shell. A lens protection cover is arranged on the forehead part of the helmet shell. A front mounting hole used for mounting an externally-connected optical system is formed in the lens protection cover. A back-mounting hole, matched with the front mounting hole, for a power supply device of the externally-connected optical system is formed in the afterbrain part of the helmet shell. A support used for mounting and adjusting a microphone is further arranged on the left ear protection part of the helmet shell. A fixing and adjusting system for a communication ear shield is further arranged in the helmet shell. A communication coaxial plug is arranged on the rear edge of the lower left part of the afterbrain part of the helmet shell. The aviation helmet is high in structural strength, light in weight, high in anti-penetration performance, capable of being equipped with task devices with different functions according to task needs and capable of being used interactively on-air planes of various types.

Within the last decade the advancement in similar field of aircrew helmet features and security advancement has been greatly reshaped. However, the existing solutions are not able to meet full range of mission needs and other required features.

Thus, looking at the prior art in a similar field, the improvement in effective utilization of technology and expansion in their utility for every type of requirement is greatly challenged.

The current invention proposes a system which is designed as a versatile modular platform, the HORUS Aircrew Flight Helmet System and is available in different configurations to suit a full range of mission needs. The lightweight flight helmet shell is constructed from Carbon Kevlar Epoxy Matrix, reducing head-borne weight while maintaining reliable strength and durability. This technologically advanced system provides pilots with a decisive edge in combat and in every day flights by reducing fatigue, so they may perform more high-G missions per day without compromising awareness and performance.

None of the previous inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Hence, the inventor of the present invention proposes to resolve and surmount existent technical difficulties to eliminate the aforementioned shortcomings of prior art.

SUMMARY

In light of the disadvantages of the prior art, the following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the present invention and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the invention can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.

It is therefore the purpose of the invention to alleviate at least to some extent one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art and/or to provide the relevant public with a suitable alternative thereto having relative advantages.

The primary object of the invention is related to the provision of a Aircrew Flight Helmet System and is available in different configurations to suit a full range of mission needs

It is also the objective of the invention to provide an exclusive active ventilation system combined with the soft Coolmax internal helmet liner enables the pilot to regulate the temperature inside the flight helmet during cold or hot weather, minimizing moisture retention inside the flight helmet.

It is another object of the invention is to provide a lightweight flight helmet shell is constructed from Carbon Kevlar Epoxy Matrix, reducing head-borne weight while maintaining reliable strength and durability.

It is further the objective of the invention to provide an assembly whom advanced system provides pilots with a decisive edge in combat and in every day flights by reducing fatigue, so they may perform more high-G missions per day without compromising awareness and performance.

It is further the objective of the invention to provide an energy-absorbing, pressure molded, low density, expanded-polystyrene, had been increased in thickness compared to competitor models, in order to reduce head trauma and possible brain concussions while keeping a low helmet profile

It is moreover the objective of the invention to ensure stability and retention, with a fully adjustable micrometric buckle and a kevlar fire-resistant chin strap with metal plates have been carefully studied to provide a snug, yet a very comfortable fit, especially when night vision goggles or other head-borne systems are attached.

It is further the objective of the invention to provide a Lightweight, anti-snag oxygen mask bayonet receiver are available in either metallic (bead blasted) or black finishes. These receivers incorporate a smooth, contoured design to reduce the risk of a parachute riser catching on the bayonet receivers during an ejection.

It is further the objective of the invention to provide a standard clear and neutral gray visor, several optional upgrades are available, including tinted chrome, gradient, high-contrast, and laser protective visors. All visors come in an MBU-20/P Oxygen Mask trim.

It is also the objective of the invention to provide a generous, thick Coolmax ear padding with an integrated speaker system deliver maximum noise attenuation in high noise environments. The proprietary electronic communication module positioned to the rear of the helmets integrates a CEP module and independent volume control that can be configured with a boom microphone or corded to the oxygen-mask microphone for voice communications.

It is moreover the objective of the invention to provide Helmet components made of self-extinguishing plastic or fire-retardant materials.

It is also the objective of the invention to provide aesthetically pleasing helmet assembly available in many standard colors and options.

This Summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments, so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following Detailed Description, Figures, and Claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a right perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a right perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts the assembly in its opened form as per preferred embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4 depicts the assembly back perspective view as per preferred embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 depicts the assembly communication system in open form as per preferred embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6 depicts the assembly communication system in closed form as per preffered embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

The current invention in its preferred embodiment discloses an efficient system of Aircrew Flight Helmet System which is available in different configurations to suit a full range of mission needs

To develop the design of the helmet of the pilot helmet that would ensure reliable fastening and fixing a helmet in the pilot's mind, ease of use at various evolutions aircraft mounted thereon different equipment. In this case the helmet should have a minimum size, the minimum weight and high strength.

The present invention is an Aircrew Flight Helmet System is available in different configurations to suit a full range of mission needs. The lightweight flight helmet shell is constructed from Carbon Kevlar Epoxy Matrix, reducing head-borne weight while maintaining reliable strength and durability. This technologically advanced system provides pilots with a decisive edge in combat and in every day flights by reducing fatigue, so they may perform more High-G missions per day without compromising awareness and performance.

The invention as per its additional embodiments The HORUS Flight Helmet Shell is made of aviation-grade prepreg Kevlar and Carbon fiber with Zylon PBO aramidic fiber inserts in the stressed areas to maximize the impact and the perforation resistance. The helmet shell is vacuum bagged and heat-treated using the autoclave cycle to enhance the product strength and reduce the final shell weight.

The HORUS Flight Helmet Crash protection element is made of high-density polystyrene” EPS” with excellent impact absorption properties. The comfort lining is made with MTP foam covered with padded coolmax soft fabric in two different thicknesses, coupled with a 3D mesh fabric area to promote and enhance airflow ventilation. The complete liner and internal paddings could be easily removed, washed, reinstalled, or replaced with no tools.

The Retention System as per its preferred embodiments is The HORUS Flight Helmet Retention System consists of a padded high strength, a fire-resistant Kevlar chinstrap paired with side steel plates, and a self-extinguishing quick release micrometric adjustment buckle easily removable for helmet maintenance and buckle replacement.

The Polycarbonate Visors as per its further embodiment is the HORUS Flight Helmet Visor is a 2.0 mm thick polycarbonate with anti-scratch/antifog treatment. A visor vertical position end of travel adjustment is provided. There is no visual distortions, excellent material light transmittance, prismatic powers, and refractive resolution. Visors are available in standard 70% dark contrast, natural clear, and high contrast. The “Iridium” visor treatment is available in various colors. By special request, the “antilaser” treatment is available. No tools are needed to remove and replace the visor assy and the visor cover.

The Removable Visor Cover as per its further embodiments is manufactured with aviation-grade prepreg epoxy resin carbon—Kevlar, easy to install with no tools, is designed to protect the visor from scratches. It can be paired with an ANVIS mounting quick release plate. The quick-release plate can also be used to install an NGV system or an action recording camera.

The Horus Ventilation System as per its additional embodiments has been designed to enhance the pilot's performance, to allow perfection of proprietary ventilation system.

The system, combined with the 3D Mesh fabric in the helmet liner, mitigate the heat and the moisture accumulation inside the helmet shell, avoiding the sweat and heat that impairs the pilot performance under G-loads.

The Present invention is an Aircrew Flight helmet system for pilots to use in combat and in every day flights which will help them reduce fatigue, which results in better performance. The Flight Helmet is an exclusive active ventilation system combined with the soft Coolmax internal helmet liner enables the pilot to regulate the temperature inside the flight helmet during cold or hot weather, minimizing moisture retention inside the flight helmet. Several key features are in the helmet such as; Customizable Visor, Optimal Respiratory Integration, Visor Cover and NVG kit, Configurable Communication System. It is also equipped with the most modern materials, solutions, production process to enhance the weight, the ergonomy and the noise reduction.

While a specific embodiment has been shown and described, many variations are possible. With time, additional features may be employed. The particular shape or configuration of the platform or the interior configuration may be changed to suit the system or equipment with which it is used.

Having described the invention in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from its spirit. Therefore, it is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the specific embodiment illustrated and described. Rather, it is intended that the scope of this invention be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter. 

I: A new modular aircrew helmet system comprising: Helmet shell; Helmet retention system; Helmet visors; Helmet pads and liners; Helmet gaskets and Helmet other components and features. II: The Flight Helmet Shell as per claim I, is manufactured with: aviation-grade epoxy resin Carbon/Kevlar prepreg; reinforced with Zylon PBO aramid fabric inserts; Helmet Shell target weight 300 gr+/−50 gr; Ready to Fly helmet target weight 850 gr+/−50 gr and Helmet shell meets or exceeds MIL-DTL-87174/A, MIL-DTL-87174/A and EN996 impact protection. III: A Helmet retention system as per claim I, comprised of Kevlar fire retardant webbing type chin retention system with side steel plates which is matched with a quick-release self-extinguishing micrometric adjustment buckle. IV: A single helmet visor system manufactured using: a 2.0 mm Lexan; Polycarbonate with anti-scratch/antifog coating; a locking visor system, plus a quick-release down position locking safety system, is provided; the Visors are available in standard 70% dark finishing, clear, high contrast, iridium colors; and no tools needed to remove and replace the visor system or to add the visor cover assy. V: A helmet pads and liner system according to claim I; A Fire retardant treated MTP foam core in different thicknesses with coolmax padded fabric; A liner is provided to adjust the helmet to the different head sizes, enhancing comfort; A Kevlar fire retardant thread is used in all liner stitching; A 3D mesh is placed in the helmet ventilation areas to increase airflow ventilation. VI: A helmet with helmet gasket and other components as per claim I, including: components made with self-extinguishing plastic; Visor plates screws are made of 7075 CNC machined aluminum with anodized finish; Communication setup made in accordance with the customer and radio setup: Mil use setup 5-8 ohm/Civil use up to 300 ohm; Integrated speaker volume control; Integrated CEP system; Compatible with MBU-12/MBU20 oxygen Mask; Removable Maxillo Facial protection; Removable Visor cover with NVG quick release plate; Quick-release NVG plate for F4949 NGV and Integrated action cameras attaching points with removable lightweight. 